International Research Journal of Environment Sciences________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 33 Groundwater Quality Monitoring in Walajah Block, in Palar river basin at Vellore District, Tamilnadu, India Tamilarasi V., Murugesan S1 and Vishwanathan BPG and Research Department of Botany, Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, INDIA Department of Joint Director of Economics and Statistic, Chennai, Tamilnadu, INDIAAvailable online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me Received 25th November 2014, revised 17th December 2014, accepted 20th January 2015 AbstractThe hydro chemical quality of groundwater in Walajah block in Palar river basin at Vellore District has been studied. Totally 48 water samples were collected, out of four sampling location during the month of January, April, July and October for three years of 2009, 2010 and 2011. The samples were analysed for various parameters such as turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, iron, manganese, nitrate, chloride, fluoride, sulphate and chromium. Based on the analysis, water quality Index (WQI) was calculated. According to the WQI, the water quality rating is done and it reveals that 60.42% are excellent, 25% are good, 6.25% are moderately polluted, 2.08% are severely polluted and 6.25% are unfit for drinking use. This study reveals that the groundwater in Walajah block, situated at Palar basin in Vellore district is deteriorated by the parameters such as total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, nitrate and chromium. Keywords: Groundwater quality, hydro chemical parameters, water quality index, water quality rating. Introduction The hydro chemical quality of groundwater in the Tamilnadu State varies depending on the lithology, climatic conditions, rainfall and topology. The major part of the state, comprising of hard rock terrain. The quality of groundwater varies from place to place. In the sedimentary formation, the quality varies in vertical extension. There are 32 types of industries that are termed as ‘RED’ industries by Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board (TNPSC). It is noted that among 2477 units (76.8%), industries are located in Chennai (28.9%), Palar (19.8%) and in Cauvery (28.1%) basins. It is apparent that the Chennai basin receives the largest load of various pollutants generated from industrial effluents. The Cauvery, Vellar and Palar rivers also receive a substantial pollution load from the industries. In Vellore district, in a stretch of 120 km from Vaniambadi to Walajah about 570 tanneries are functioning. The impact of tannery effluent pollution in Palar is in alarming proportion. The tannery effluent having high BOD, sodium, chloride and chromium is let into the Palar river. The quality of drinking water is deteriorated in the Palar river bed owing to the discharge of industrial effluent into the river and thus polluting nearly 35,000 hectares of cultivable lands. The widespread use of fertiliser is also found to influence the quality of water to a greater extent. It is noted that the use of nitrogen fertilisers has caused irreparable damage to the groundwater in the north-western parts of Tamilnadu. Apart from industrial discharges, inland rivers are polluted by indiscriminate disposal of sewage and other domestic waste also. Meterial and Methods Study Area: Walajah block, Palar river basin. Vellore district, Tamilnadu. Four number of groundwater sources are selected in Palar river basin at Walajah block for water sample collection. They are Vannimedu Mathur-Kangaiamman Koil street, Gudimallur, Ranipet head works, and Sathampakkam village. Water samples are collected from the above said locations at walajah block during the month of January, April, July and October for three years of 2009, 2010, and 2011. Totally forty eight samples were collected from groundwater sources. Proper preservation was carried out before reporting to the laboratory. The samples were analysed for drinking water quality parameters as referred in the Standard Methods. The water quality data were compared with the Drinking Water Specifications- BIS-10500-2012 and are shown in table-2. Table -1 Sample Locations Station Code Location Code Location of sampling Block 1 16 Vannivedu Mathur, Kangaiamman koil st Walajah 2 17 Gudimalloor Walajah 3 18 Ranipet head works Walajah 4 19 Sathambakkam village Walajah International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 34  Sampling location  Tannery location Figure-1 Sampling location with Tannery location Water Quality Index: Water quality of four sources has been presented, on the basis of calculated water quality indices. The estimated quantitative values of water quality parameters and their standards as per the Drinking Water Specifications-IS-10500-2012 have been used for WQI calculation. Water quality index (WQI) has been computed using the formula = n i = 1 Where, w= weightage factor of ith parameter, qi = quality rating of ith parameter, w is calculated from the following equation: = (k/S) Where k = constant =_______1___________ 1/vs1+ 1/vs2+1/vsn, Sn = standard value of ith parameter, is calculated from the following equation: = (v-v/ v-v) x 100 Where v = actual value obtained from analysis of ith parameter, = standard value of ith parameter, v = ideal value (pH= 7 and 0 for all other parameters) Results and Discussion Water Quality Index (WQI) is one of the meaningful approach for groundwater and all other type of water like river, lake and surface water quality analysis. Water quality is the condition of the water body or water resource in relation to its designated uses. The hydro-chemical data analyses of the present study for each parameter for the year 2009, 2010 and for 2011 are tabulated in table-3. For quality assessment, all the parameters were compared with the guidelines suggested by the Bureau of Indian Standards in which there are two levels i.e. acceptable limit and permissible limit in the absence of alternate source. Table-2 Mean Value and Drinking Water Specifications - BIS-10500:2012Sl. No. Parameters S1 S2 S3 S4 Requirement (Acceptable limit-BIS) Permissible limit (BIS)in absence of alternate source Mean Value In mg/l 1 Turbidity 2.0 1.4 1.0 1.3 1 5 2 Total dissolved solids 1547 970 781 1110 500 2000 3 pH 7.68 7.70 7.83 7.72 6.5 – 8.5 No relaxation 4 Total alkalinity 387 310 256 312 200 600 5 Total hardness 613 453 428 470 200 600 6 Calcium hardness 155 110 102 116 75 200 7 Magnesium hardness 56 40 36 42 30 100 8 Sodium 203 127 91 153 Not suggested 9 Potassium 19 11 9 15 Not suggested 10 Iron 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.08 0.3 No relaxation 11 Ammonia 0.26 0.08 0.09 0.16 Not suggested 12 Nitrate 66 28 24 31 45 No relaxation 13 Chloride 360 217 176 252 250 1000 14 Fluoride 0.82 0.70 0.64 0.70 1.0 1.5 15 Sulphate 157 84 51 104 200 400 16 Phosphate 0.10 0.06 0.08 0.08 Not suggested 17 Chromium 0.0065 0.0043 0.0026 0.0025 0.05 No relaxation Note :Values are mentioned in mg/l except for pH and Turbidity International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 35 Table -3 Water Quality Parameter AnalysisSl. No. Parameter Minimum Mean Maximum Mean Counts within Acceptable Limit (BIS) Counts within Permissible Limit (BIS) Counts greater than Permissible Limit (BIS) Value in mg/l Station No. Value in mg/l Station No. No. % No. % No. % 1 Total dissolved solids 781 S3 1547 S1 5 10.4 41 85.4 2 4.2 2 pH 7.68 S1 7.83 S3 48 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 3 Total alkalinity 256 S3 387 S1 6 12.5 42 87.5 0 0.0 4 Total hardness 428 S3 613 S1 2 4.2 31 64.6 15 31.3 5 Calcium 102 S3 155 S1 9 18.8 37 77.1 2 4.2 6 Magnesium 36 S3 56 S1 11 22.9 37 77.1 0 0.0 7 Sodium 91 S3 203 S1 Limits not suggested 8 Potassium 9 S3 19 S1 Limits not suggested 9 Iron 0.07 S2 0.09 S1 45 93.8 0 0.0 3 6.3 10 Ammonia 0.08 S2 0.26 S1 45 93.8 3 6.3 0 0.0 11 Nitrite 0.014 S2 0.035 S1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 12 Nitrate 24 S3 66 S1 32 66.7 16 33.3 0 0.0 13 Chloride 176 S3 360 S1 28 58.3 20 41.7 0 0.0 14 Fluoride 0.64 S3 0.82 S1 45 93.8 3 6.3 0 0.0 15 Suphate 51 S3 157 S1 44 91.7 4 8.3 0 0.0 16 Phosphate 0.06 S2 0.1 S1 Limits not suggested 17 COD 4.4 S3 7.8 S1 Limits not suggested 18 Chromium 0.0025 S4 0.0065 S1 48 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Based on the hydro chemical analytical data of the present study, the calculated WQI for the year 2009, 2010 and for 2011 is represented in the form of bar chart in figure-2, figure-3 and figure-4. It is also tabulated in table- 4, table-5, table- 6, table-7, table- 8, table-9 and table-10, respectively. According to the water quality index, the analysed samples were grouped into five classes as excellent (0-25), good (26-50), moderately polluted (51-75), severely polluted (76-100), and unfit for drinking (above 100). In this study, the water quality index rating is found as follows. Excellent – 60.42%; Good – 25%; Moderate – 6, 25%; Severe – 2.08%; Unfit – 6.25. The rating and WQI are tabulated in table-7. Total dissolved solids (TDS) are an important parameter for deciding the water quality and it is contributed by industrial waste. It is the sum of all dissolved chemicals present in water. Local lithology imparts high concentration of TDS. Hence, the water losses its potability and reduces the solubility of oxygen in water. In the present study, the minimum TDS value of 781 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 1547 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (500 mg/l) are 5 (10.4%), counts within permissible limit (2000 mg/l) are 41 (85.4%) and counts greater than permissible limit are 2 (4.2%). Water with high residue is normally less palatable reaction in the transient consumer and even may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Water containing high solid concentration may cause constipation effects. TDS causes undesirable taste, gastro intestinal irritation, and corrosion. It can be removed by distillation, solar evaporation and by reverse osmosis.  January  April  July  October) Figure-2 International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 36 Water quality index -2009  January  April  July  October) Figure-3 Water quality index-2010 (  January  April  July  October) Figure-4 Water quality index -2011The pH value of drinking water is an important index of acidity or alkalinity. pH value represents the hydrogen ion concentration and it is contributed by industrial waste. A number of minerals and organic matter interact with one another to give the resultant pH value of the sample. It ranges from minimum value of 7.68 in S1 and maximum value of 7.83 in S3 and it is 100% well within the acceptable limit (8.5) for drinking and other domestic uses. It can be treated by neutralisation. Total alkalinity is generally imported by the salts of carbonates and bicarbonates with hydroxyl ions in free state. In the present study, the minimum alkalinity value of 256 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 387 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (200 mg/l) are 6 (12.5%) and counts within permissible limit (600 mg/l) are 42 (87.5%). High alkalinity water turns the cooking rice to yellow and dhal to rubbery. Alkalinity values providing guidance in applying proper doses of chemicals in water and wastewater treatment process particularly in coagulation, softening and operation control of anaerobic digestion process. It can be removed by distillation, solar evaporation and by reverse osmosis. The hardness is due to dissolution of alkaline earth metal salts from geological matter. Total hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium ions present in water. Total hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium ions present in water. In the present study,the minimum hardness value of 428 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 613 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (200 mg/l) are 2 (4.2%), counts within permissible limit (600 mg/l) are 31 (64.6%) and counts greater than permissible limit are 15 (31.3%). Hardness has no adverse effect on human health. However, some evidence has attributeabout its role in heart disease.It causes scale formation, skin irritation, consume more time and fuel for cooking. It can be removed by distillation, solar evaporation and by reverse osmosis. High content of calcium is contributed from the soil. In the present study, the minimum calcium value of 102 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 155 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (75 mg/l) are 9 (18.8%), counts within permissible limit (200 mg/l) are 37 (77.1%) and counts greater than permissible limit are 2 (4.2%). Excessive calcium causes concretions in human body and may cause gastro- intestinal problem. It can be removed by distillation, solar evaporation and by reverse osmosis. Magnesium contributes to hardness in water. In the present study, the minimum magnesium value of 36 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 56 mg/l is recorded in S1.The counts within acceptable limit (30 mg/l) are 11 (22.9%); counts within permissible limit (100 mg/l) are 37 (77.1%). It can be removed by distillation, solar evaporation and by reverse osmosis. Iron content is contributed by soil and rocks. In the present study,the minimum iron value of 0.07 mg/l is recorded in S2 and the maximum value of 0.09 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (0.3 mg/l) are 45 (99.8%), and counts greater than permissible limit (0.3mg/l) are 3 (6.3%). Such water stains cloths and utensils during washing and consumes more fuel and time for cooking. Iron can be removed by precipitation by aeration and filtration through activated charcoal is suggested for water having higher concentration of International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 37 iron. Sodium concentrations in the present study were observed minimum value of 91 mg/l in S3 and maximum value of 203 mg/l in S1 and potassium as minimum value of 9 mg/l in S3 and maximum value of 19 mg/l in S1. Excess sodium combining with carbonate will lead to the formation of alkaline soil, while with chloride and sulphate will form saline soils which are not suitable for irrigation10. Ammonia is formed as a result of the decomposition of nitrogenous organic materials. In the present study, the minimum ammonia value of 0.08 mg/l is recorded in S2 and the maximum value of 0.26 mg/l is recorded in S1. Ammonia is toxic to aquatic life and itcan be removed by biological oxidation method. Nitrate content is due to increased agricultural activities and application of fertilisers. In the present study, the minimum nitrate value of 24 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 66 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (45 mg/l) are 32 (66.7%), and counts greater than permissible limit (45 mg/l) are 16 (33.3%). This will cause methaemoglobinemia (Blue baby disease) and it influences the growth of algae11. The removal of nitrate is not an easy process but it can be possible by reverse osmosis method. Chloride might be derived from natural processes in the earth, industrial effluent of soda ash, refineries and tanneries. In the present study, the minimum chloride value of 176 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 360 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (250 mg/l) are 28 (58.3%), and counts within permissible limit (1000 mg/l) are 20 (41.7%). Chloride content affects the taste of water and corrosive nature. Chloride can be removed by installing chloride removal unit in the sources by local functionaries. We need to arrest the toxic effect of other chemical contents so as to improve the chloride effect. Fluoride content is contributed from the soil and rocks. It is also derived from fertiliser effluent and fluoride based industries. In the present study, the minimum fluoride value of 0.64 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 0.82 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (1.0 mg/l) are 45 (93.8%) and counts within permissible limit (1.5 mg/l) are 3 (6.3%). This causes both dental and skeletal fluorosis diseases. Removal of fluoride from drinking water is suggested through various de-fluoridation techniques are available including quick reverse osmosis, electro-dialysis and hit and trial method, precipitation and filtration method by using alum and lime and also by adsorption method by using activated alumina based on ion exchange resin. The Nalgonda technique is an economical way of de-fluoridation. Sulphate is contributed from sewage, sulphate based industry.In the present study, the minimum sulphate value of 51 mg/l is recorded in S3 and the maximum value of 157 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (200 mg/l) are 44 (91.7%) and counts within permissible limit (400 mg/l) are 4 (8.3%). Sulphate content affects the taste of water. It can be removed by solar evaporation method and by reverse osmosis method. Phosphate is present as soluble phosphate and organic phosphate and it is contributed from sewage and fertiliser effluent. In the present study, the minimum phosphate value of 0.06 mg/l is recorded in S2 and the maximum value of 0.10 mg/l is recorded in S3. Agricultural runoff containing phosphate fertiliser as well as the waste water containing the detergents tends to increase pollution in water12. It can be removed by precipitation method by using poly aluminium chloride. Chromium content indicates the impact of effluent discharge from tannery industries and extends of pollution.In the present study, the minimum chromium value of 0.0025 mg/l is recorded in S4 and the maximum value of 0.0065 mg/l is recorded in S1. The counts within acceptable limit (0.05 mg/l) are 48(100%). The minimum value of chromium is recorded in this study but on accumulation in soil is affecting the cultivation land. Chromium is toxic in nature and it can cause respiratory problem and skin complaints. It can be removed by chemical reduction method by using sodium bisulphate and also by chemical precipitation by using lime and caustic soda. In technical report for “District Groundwater Brochure, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu”, it is stated that in Vellore district, the pollution from tanneries has caused irrevocable deterioration of quality of groundwater and soil in vast areas. It is observed that the groundwater is suitable for drinking and domestic uses in respect of all the constituents except total hardness, chloride, and nitrate. In about 42% of samples, nitrate is above 100 mg/l. High total hardness is attributed to the composition of litho unit constituting the aquifers in the district, whereas nitrate pollution is most likely due to the use of fertilisers and other improper waste disposal. There is an urgent need to arrest/prevent further deterioration of groundwater and soil quality through a comprehensive plan. Providing common effluent treatment plant (CETP) and adoption of environment friendly technologies for tanning and safe disposal of waste in the area13. Conclusion The water quality and its pollution status in the Palar river are very important because it is related tohuman health directly. Almost 90% of the diseases are caused by direct consumption of water. The rivers are the main source for water. The Tamil Nadu Government is using 80% of ground water for water supply. In the present study, the WQI reveal that out of 48 counts for the year 2009, 2010, and 2011, 60.42% are excellent, 25% are good, 6.25% are moderately polluted, 2.08% are severely polluted and 6.25% are unfit for drinking use. This study reveals that the water quality in Walajah block area situated at Palar river basin International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 38 in Vellore district is affected by the parameters total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, nitrate and chromiumand needs some degree of treatment before consumption. It also needs an integrated approach of public and private sector, to protect the groundwater from contamination. It is also observed that the maximum value for TDS, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, ammonia, chloride, nitrate, fluoride, sulphate and chromium is recorded in S1 which is located very much nearer to the tannery industries. This confirms that deterioration of groundwater in Walajah block is mainly due to the seepage of industrial effluent. The data base will be highly useful for analysing the key reason for deterioration of groundwater quality, for water supply and for water supply management. Table-4 Water Quality Index for January and April, 2009Station code 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 Season Jan Jan Jan Jan Apr Apr Apr Apr Year 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Parameter Sn Weightage (Wi) Vi Wiqi Total Dissolved Solids 500 0.000442 0 0.13 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.13 0.08 0.08 0.07 pH 8.5 0.026 7 0.59 0.71 1.06 1.07 0.78 0.55 1.66 1.58 Total Hardness 200 0.001105 0 0.36 0.20 0.22 0.21 0.38 0.21 0.22 0.22 Calcium 75 0.00294667 0 0.62 0.35 0.37 0.37 0.65 0.36 0.38 0.38 Magnesium 30 0.00736667 0 1.55 0.88 0.91 0.91 1.63 0.91 0.96 0.95 Iron 0.3 0.73666667 0 31.92 14.73 51.57 27.01 27.20 18.13 18.13 27.20 Nitrate 45 0.00491111 0 0.77 0.45 0.23 0.28 0.88 0.50 0.29 0.34 Chloride 250 0.000884 0 0.08 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.08 0.05 0.06 0.03 Fluoride 1 0.221 0 13.26 17.68 13.26 13.26 13.26 17.68 13.26 13.26 Sulphate 200 0.001105 0 0.14 0.04 0.03 0.06 0.14 0.04 0.03 0.07 WQI 49.41 35.17 67.74 43.28 45.15 38.53 35.08 44.10 Table-5 Water quality index for July and October, 2009Station code 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 Season July July July July Oct Oct Oct Oct Year 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 Parameter Sn Weightage (Wi) Vi Wiqi Total Dissolved Solids 500 0.000442 0 0.26 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.15 0.11 0.05 0.15 pH 8.5 0.026 7 0.95 1.20 1.16 1.25 1.46 1.11 1.77 1.21 Total Hardness 200 0.001105 0 0.36 0.25 0.32 0.21 0.35 0.27 0.12 0.40 Calcium 75 0.00294667 0 0.62 0.35 0.37 0.37 0.73 0.42 0.20 0.75 Magnesium 30 0.00736667 0 2.14 0.27 0.25 0.27 0.98 1.35 0.59 1.47 Iron 0.3 0.73666667 0 19.64 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.91 12.28 7.37 14.73 Nitrate 45 0.00491111 0 1.24 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.62 0.53 0.29 0.64 Chloride 250 0.000884 0 0.33 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.15 0.11 0.05 0.14 Fluoride 1 0.221 0 17.68 17.68 17.68 17.68 26.52 8.84 8.84 8.84 Sulphate 200 0.001105 0 0.09 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.08 0.04 0.00 0.07 WQI 43.31 19.84 19.87 19.86 35.95 25.07 19.29 28.40 International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 39 Table-6 Water Quality Index for January and April, 2010 Station code 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 Season Ja n Jan Jan Jan Apr Apr Apr Apr Year 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 Parameter Sn Weightage (Wi) Vi Wiqi Total Dissolved Solids 500 0.000442 0 0.13 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.12 0.07 0.08 0.08 pH 8.5 0.026 7 0.95 0.73 1.84 1.75 1.20 0.85 2.11 1.28 Tota l Hardness 200 0.001105 0 0.20 0.21 0.22 0.20 0.29 0.17 0.26 0.18 Calcium 75 0.00294667 0 0.34 0.36 0.38 0.34 0.39 0.29 0.46 0.27 Magnesium 30 0.00736667 0 0.84 0.91 0.96 0.86 1.60 0.81 1.08 0.88 Iron 0.3 0.73666667 0 27.20 18.13 18.13 27.20 29.47 4.91 9.82 9.82 Nitrate 45 0.00491111 0 0.88 0.50 0.29 0.34 1.00 0.07 0.28 0.04 Chloride 250 0.000884 0 0.11 0.05 0.06 0.03 0.13 0.08 0.08 0.09 Fluoride 1 0.221 0 13.26 17.68 13.26 13.26 22.10 17.68 17.68 8.84 Sulphate 200 0.001105 0 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.04 WQI 43.96 38.7 35.25 44.13 56.35 24.96 31.88 21.53 Table-7 Water Quality Index for July and October, 2010 Station code 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 Season July July July July Oct Oct Oct Oct Year 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 Parameter Sn Weightage (Wi) Vi Wiqi Total Dissolved Solids 500 0.000442 0 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.16 0.12 0.07 0.04 0.06 pH 8.5 0.026 7 1.70 1.70 0.42 2.01 1.84 1.49 1.53 0.66 Total Hardness 200 0.001105 0 0.49 0.4 3 0.43 0.40 0.43 0.21 0.12 0.10 Calcium 75 0.00294667 0 1.05 0.79 0.79 0.66 0.78 0.46 0.22 0.15 gnesium 30 0.00736667 0 1.30 1.65 1.65 1.77 1.69 0.52 0.49 0.47 Iron 0.3 0.73666667 0 54.02 83.49 83.49 108.04 9.82 12.28 4.91 2.46 Nitrate 45 0.00491111 0 0.10 0.16 0.15 0.24 1.36 0.13 0.08 0.37 Chloride 250 0.000884 0 0.15 0.16 0.18 0.16 0.08 0.05 0.03 0.04 Fluoride 1 0.221 0 17.68 17.68 17.68 17.68 22.10 17.68 8.84 22.10 Sulphate 200 0.001105 0 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.05 0.01 0.01 WQI 76.70 106.24 104.96 131.18 38.26 32.94 16.27 26.41 Table-8 Water Quality Index for January and April, 2011 Station code 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 Season Jan Jan Jan Jan Apr Apr Apr Apr Year 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 20 11 2011 2011 Parameter Sn Weightage(Wi) Vi Wiqi Total Dissolved Solids 500 0.000442 0 0.09 0.09 0.02 0.20 0.11 0.13 0.13 0.15 pH 8.5 0.026 7 1.87 1.92 1.85 0.71 1.14 1.84 2.06 1.49 Total Hardness 200 0.001105 0 0.15 0.15 0.05 0.39 0.32 0.38 0.38 0.44 Calcium 75 0.002946667 0 0.25 0.25 0.09 0.68 0.59 0.68 0.68 0.82 Magnesium 30 0.007366667 0 0.64 0.64 0.25 1.65 1.25 1.47 1.47 1.67 Iron 0.3 0.736666667 0 19.64 14.73 18.42 14.73 2.46 2.46 2.46 2.46 Nitrate 45 0.004911111 0 0.13 0.12 0.10 0.12 0.51 0.75 0.76 0.89 Chloride 250 0.000884 0 0.10 0.09 0.01 0.30 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.13 Fluoride 1 0.221 0 10.17 9.72 7.29 7.74 17.68 17.68 17.68 17.68 Sulphate 200 0.001105 0 0.07 0.07 0.01 0.13 0.05 0.07 0.07 0.08 WQI 33.105 27.79 28.087 26.64 24.202 25.548 25. 779 25.819 International Research Journal of Environment Sciences______________________________________________ ISSN 2319–1414 Vol. 4(1), 33-41, January (2015) Int. Res. J. Environment Sci. International Science Congress Association 40 Table-9 Water Quality Index for July and October, 2011Station code 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 16 17 18 19 Season July July July July Oct Oct Oct Oct Year 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 Parameter Sn Weightage (Wi) Vi Wiqi Total Dissolved Solids 500 0.000442 0 0.16 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.13 0.12 0.08 0.09 pH 8.5 0.026 7 0.19 1.46 1.47 1.07 1.42 1.02 0.28 0.85 Total Hardness 200 0.001105 0 0.41 0.24 0.23 0.13 0.33 0.28 0.25 0.24 Calcium 75 0.002946667 0 0.65 0.40 0.40 0.22 0.65 0.45 0.46 0.46 Magnesium 30 0.007366667 0 1.89 1.01 0.98 0.59 1.11 1.30 0.96 0.86 Iron 0.3 0.736666667 0 4.91 2.46 2.46 2.46 27.01 14.73 14.73 0.00 Nitrate 45 0.004911111 0 0.93 0.28 0.27 0.26 0.24 0.11 0.29 0.39 Chloride 250 0.000884 0 0.12 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.12 0.12 0.08 0.07 Fluoride 1 0.221 0 17.68 13.26 17.68 17.68 26.52 13.26 17.68 26.52 Sulphate 200 0.001105 0 0.14 0.04 0.04 0.02 0.09 0.05 0.02 0.08 WQI 27.07 19.27 23.67 22.53 57.62 31.44 34.83 29.55 Table-10 Water Quality Index And Rating Station code 1 2 3 4 Location Code 16 17 18 19 Location of Sampling Vannivedumathur, Kangaiaammankoilst. Gudimalloor Ranipet head works Sathambakkam village WQI Rating WQI Rating WQI Rating WQI Rating 2009 January 49 Good 35 Good 68 Good 43 Good April 45 Good 39 Good 35 Good 44 Good July 43 Good 20 Excellent 20 Excellent 20 Excellent October 36 Good 25 Excellent 19 Excellent 28 Good 2010 January 44 Good 39 Good 35 Good 44 Good April 56 Moderately Polluted 25 Excellent 32 Excellent 22 Excellent July 77 Severely Polluted 106 Unfit 105 Unfit 131 Unfit October 38 Good 33 Good 16 Good 26 Good 2011 January 33 Good 28 Good 28 Good 27 Good April 24 Excellent 26 Good 26 Good 26 Good July 27 Good 19 Excellent 24 Excellent 23 Excellent October 58 Moderately Polluted 31 Good 35 Good 30 Good Note: 0 to 25 - Excellent; 26 to 50 - Good; 51 to 75 - Moderately Polluted;76 to 100 - Severely Polluted; � 100 - Unfit. 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